The Islamabad Accountability Court has approved Bushra Bibi’s bail request in the £190 million reference case. Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich presided over the hearing at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. This case involves Bushra Bibi and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Hearing Proceedings Bushra Bibi
During the hearing, counsel for Bushra Bibi made a bail application on her behalf. The Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar opposed this bail, arguing that there is no need for arrest in this reference to Bushra Bibi, and hence, no warrant of arrest has been issued against her; so, according to him, under such circumstances, the bail appeal cannot be justified.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Judge Warriach reserved his decision. He declared that he had allowed Bail for Mrs. Bushra Imran after a short break.
Defense and Witness’ Examination Bushra Bibi
The defense counsels then finished cross-examining three more witnesses called by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). This cross-examination was essential to the proceedings as it helped build up the defense case.
Adjournment and Next Steps Bushra Bibi
Thus, the court adjourned the further hearing until July 5th, giving them time to prepare for the next session. This will also enable the court to consider evidence adduced during current proceedings.
Bail Decision Implications Bushra Bibi
However, despite having been granted bail, Bushra remains incarcerated. Jail authorities clarified that she could not be released because she has been serving a sentence in another case relating to her marriage during the iddat period. The iddat period is a waiting period prescribed by Islamic law after the divorce or death of a spouse where a woman cannot remarry.
Related Legal Proceedings Bushra Bibi
On Tuesday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka deferred appeals against sentences on Imran Khan and Hina Durrani, known as Bushra Bibi, in the Iddat marriage case. The judge stressed that reconciliatory rights were a civil issue and not part of criminal law. The appellants’ counsel, Salman Akram Raja, argued that intentions alone to reconcile are not enough for any exemption under the law. He pointed out that the marriage happened one day, whereas the ex-husband, Khawar Maneka, learned about it the following day, but he kept silent.
Anti-Terrorism Court Involvement Bushra Bibi
On the other hand, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra also directed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to submit his report regarding Imran Khan’s production in two cases before him. In these two cases, registered with CTD and Golra police stations, Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Umar Ayub, Ali Nawaz Awan, and several other PTI leaders were accused.
summary
Bushra Bibi’s approved bail request is an essential milestone in her and Imran Khan’s legal battles. As the case progresses, the court will scrutinize both sides’ evidence and arguments. This means that forthcoming hearings will be crucial in determining the fate of the £190 million reference case and related iddat marriage case.
